Page 155 of Coff

Then another thought hits me. “Wait, if the cartel that worked with Ruiz and my dad is gone, someone else will take over. What will happen to my brother? Or my uncle?”

I wish Duke would leave the business. Uncle Leo seemed happy taking it over, so I don’t understand why Duke is still there.

“I don’t know.”

I stand up. “Can we go home? I want to call Duke on the burner phone you got me.”

It’s been hard, but I haven’t used it. Brian assured Coff he was keeping an eye on Duke and my family.

We say our goodbyes, and Coff drives us home. Home. The moment I first stepped into the apartment arranged for us, it felt like home. Maybe it’s because I knew we’d be together here.

Once we get inside, I go into the bathroom and retrieve the phone. I keep it taped up under the bathroom sink at the back of the cabinet.

It powers on, and I call Duke. It goes to voicemail. I hang up and call back.

“Hello?” he answers cautiously.

“It’s me.”

“Delaney?”

I walk out of the bathroom toward the living room. “Yes.”

“I’m so happy you called! It took longer than I’d expected, but we did it! You can come home now,” he says.

I stop in my tracks. “Why do you say that?”

He sighs.

“Duke?” I walk to the sofa and sit down next to Coff.

“You know I want to tell someone, and I can’t tell Sam. I pulled it off. After Dad was killed, I thought my chance was gone.”

“Slow down. What are you talking about?” I glance at Coff, and he’s frowning, but Duke is talking loudly enough for him to hear.

“Wait, Brian didn’t tell you about me, did he?” Duke asks.

Now I’m really confused. “He told me there was an explosion.”

“Just a minute.” A door slams shut, then birds tweeting comes through the phone. “I had to step outside. I’m going to walk out toward the street.”

“Is there a listening device in the house?”

He chuckles. “No, I don’t want Leo to hear any of this. And what I’m about to tell you is for your ears only.”

“And Coff. I don’t keep any secrets from him.”

“He’s fine. I’m still surprised Brian hasn’t told either of you.”

I lean back, impatient with my brother. “Told us what?”

“Well, I’ve been working with Brian for over a year now.”

“You’re an agent?” Coff asks.

“Uh, Delaney?” Duke asks.

I arch a brow at Coff, and he shrugs. “I’m on the couch, and he’s beside me so he can hear.”

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